Connecting with Companies
A Guide to Consulting Agreements for Biomedical Scientists
Edward Klees, J.D., General Counsel at the University of Virginia Investment Management Company
H. Robert Horvitz, Ph.D., 2002 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine; Professor of Biology, MIT; Member, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT; Member, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT; Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
An essential guide for academic scientists who are considering consulting work in biomedicine
Before you sign a consulting agreement, this must-have reference work will help you understand the key issues to consider — from intellectual property, confidentiality, and compensation, to often overlooked issues such as indemnity, different classes of stock, and the relevance of insider trading and securities laws.
Read Connecting with Companies and you will:
- Gain invaluable, first-hand advice from the authors: a leading attorney and a Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, both with extensive experience in reviewing and negotiating consulting agreements
- Receive guidance on consulting contracts that will benefit academics, lawyers, accountants, auditors, venture capitalists, and technology transfer departments of universities, hospitals, and research organizations
- Understand crucial issues in starting biotech companies such as 83b tax election and the financial implications of participating preferred stock
© 2014, from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 156 pages
Hardcover $39 ISBN 978-1-621821-07-6
What people are saying about Connecting with Companies
“
Consulting agreements between academic scientists and corporations not only protect discoveries
and intellectual property, but also deal with risks related to securities laws, such as insider
trading. Giving advice requires an in depth understanding of these issues and the different
cultures of academicians versus corporate lawyers. Edward Klees and Robert Horvitz have applied
the same degree of rigor that characterizes the best academic research to understanding the
principles and subtleties of these agreements. They provide a clear description of critical
issues that are understood by surprisingly few, e.g., liquidation preferences and participation
rights of preferred stock. This section alone makes Connecting with Companies
worthwhile reading for any academic scientist with an interest in the corporate world.”
—Ansbert K. Gadicke, Managing Director, MPM Capital
“
This is the book I wish had been available when I started my first company. I learned an enormous amount from it.”
—Roger Tsien, University of California at San Diego, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 2008
“
I loved this book and all potential consultants in the biomedical field will find it enlightening. I highly recommend it.”
—Katherine Ku, Director of the Office of Technology Licensing, Stanford University
“
In this valuable guide, the authors provide a crisp introduction to key issues in academic-industry interactions, making it a must-read for any academic contemplating entry into a consulting agreement.”
—Marc Tessier-Lavigne, President, The Rockefeller University
